𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐠 // The Outsiders

Chapter 6 - Curtis House

As it turns out, Dallas Winston isn't the biggest ass in the world. He's not nice by any means. He is tougher than the rest of the gang, meaner and colder too. I think he might just be misunderstood, but that doesn't mean I like him none. I don't like him for what he pulled back at the drive-in. But I think I can forgive and forget.

The rest of the afternoon seems to go by in a blur and before I know it, we're all sitting in the Curtis's living room in fits of giggles. Even Ruth can't contain her enjoyment as she hits it off with Pony. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are the loveliest people in the whole world. Darry is the spitting image of his father, they almost look like brothers. And Mrs. Curtis is golden like her son, Soda.

We all sit in different places, some of us on the floor, and others on the couch or chairs. The Curtis house seems so full of energy and life, there's never a moment of silence. Steve and Soda play a game of cards on the rug. They try to get me to play but both are dirty cheats. Soda even has a card tucked in his sock, which makes Steve tackle him when he finds out. Two-bit's eyes never leave the TV where Mickey Mouse plays and Ruth and Ponyboy have been discussing books for the past half hour. I never thought my kid sister cared about reading.

Mr. Curtis sits in an armchair in the corner, so absorbed by his newspaper that he doesn't notice Darry reading over his shoulder. Johnny, Dally, and I sit on the couch talking senselessly. Guess we both forgot mighty quickly because he hands me a slip of paper with a time to meet him at the Dingo on Tuesday. Guess he actually wants to buy me that coke. Johnny's shy but he warmed up to me pretty quickly.

Golden rays of sunlight creep through the shades, tangling with the smell of food hanging in the air. It's nice here. Different from our house, where pictureless walls and dusty, damp smells are. Here it's fun, a happy family in a happy home. Suddenly, Sodapop says something that gets all of the gang hooting and hollering. His face turns bright red from all his laughter. And when Mrs. Curtis calls us for dinner, nobody hesitates to run for the dining room.

I sit down between Steve and Pony, the only open seat there is. The two seem to not dig each other as everyone else does. Maybe it's because Pony is just a child and younger than the rest. Mrs. Curtis comes by and deposits the biggest chicken I've ever seen in my life onto the table.

The boys all dig in immediately, piling their plates sky-high with beans, potatoes, and chicken. They all eat like starved wild animals, and even Ruth follows in their footsteps. The Curtis Parents and I are the only ones who have decent manners. But Ponyboy manages to keep his shirt clean, unlike the rest of the gang.

After we're finished, a chorus of, "Thanks, Mrs. Curtis," echoes around the kitchen. Darry and I help Mrs. Curtis with the dishes before we return to the rest of the gang. I catch a glimpse of the clock on the wall and my lips fall into a frown.
"We should get going," I say to no one in particular. Ruth stands, smiling at Pony as she does so.
"Do y'all have to go?" Two-bit practically whines.

"We got school tomorrow." I remind him.
"The rest of you should get on home too." Mrs. Curtis's voice rings from behind me. Everyone groans as Dallas, Johnny, Two-bit, and Steve stand up. Looks like we're all going home. I wave my goodbyes, being extra sure to thank Mr. and Mrs. Curtis for everything. Halfway down the porch steps, Steve volunteers to walk us home, which I decline.

"Steve we'll be okay," I say.
"It's almost dark." He says. "Socs like to-"
"Jump at this time." I finish for him. "I know, you told me the first time we met, remember?"
"At least let me walk you halfway." He says. I shake my head, knowing he won't let this go until I say yes.
"Fine." I give in.

Steve smiles as we start walking. Again, the walk goes by in a blur, I only remember Steve walking us all the way home.
"Bye Steve," I say, hugging him as Ruth ducks inside. He hugs me back.
"Bye Winnie. I'll see you tomorrow."
I start to walk away just as he calls out to me.
"Winnie."
I turn and raise an eyebrow.
"Don't walk home alone, or Darry'll have my head."

I chuckle as the front door swings open, revealing my father. In a second, I see Steve shrink back a little.
"Thanks for walking her home." Dad smiles, resting his arm on my shoulder in a joking way. Steve nods, and I can see him visibly relax before walking off.
"That your new boyfriend?" Dad asks jokingly.
"Just a friend." I smile.

Dad smiles back as he closes the front door.
"Had a good afternoon then?" He asks as we walk into the kitchen.
"The best," I answer.

Author's note:
Another short chapter, sorry, school has been really stressful lately. I hope you're enjoying so far, give me your feedback.🙂